Abstract: An outdoor structure and structural system including a plurality of structural blocks having opposed top and bottom surfaces, opposed front and rear surfaces and opposed first and second side surfaces, the bottom surfaces of the plurality of structural blocks having a receiving channel extending along the bottom surface from the first side surface towards the second side surface, the receiving channel sized and shaped to receive and retain a hanger.

Abstract: A functionally and aesthetically improved, indoor/outdoor metamorphic stone table-top grill, including a pre-heated, metamorphic stone (preferably absolute black granite or black galaxy granite) as the cooking surface; a custom designed and engineered cone ceramic bowl; a stainless steel grate to mount, hold and support the metamorphic cooking stone, in suspension above the ceramic bowl; and one or more (preferably two) disposable cans of formulated, denatured alcohol, water and gel (for example, Sterno™ cans are suitable), which are placed in the well of the ceramic bowl and which provide continuous heat.

Abstract: A vessel adapted to contain combustible gas flame. An outer housing wall being in surrounding relationship to the vessel. The inner vessel and outer wall being interconnected to one another. The outer wall extending below the inner vessel supports the vessel off the floor surface. Perforation through the vessel allows air to pass from above to below the vessel. Perforation through the outer wall, below the vessel, allows air to pass from the inside to the outside of the outer wall. An air blower forces air from above the vessel, through the perforated vessel, out the perforated outer wall, and to the surrounding area.

Abstract: The present invention is a modular construction method for enclosures and counter assemblies. The counter assembly has a series of modules, which can be added or removed at will. The counter assembly comprises an innovative metal framework having modules connected by angled splices to enhance customization into variable shapes and sizes. Cross-supporting framework and perimeter rails may be added to incorporate customized components for drawers, shelving, appliances, storage, access doors, vents, and the like. The framework is capable of supporting countertops formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the modular assembly. Side panels may be supported on the framework for purposes of enclosing the assembly, said panels being attached by a plurality of metal clips designed to fit into the metal framework with extensions designed to secure the side panels. The framework and components of the counter assembly are moveable, rearrangeable, and replaceable.

Abstract: A top section for an oven formed with an outer support shell, an intermediate insulating layer and an inner refractory lining wherein the three layers are connected by a plurality of spaced members. The spaced members are preferably formed as stainless steel pegs welded to an inner surface of the outer support shell extending across the intermediate insulating layer and fixed to the inner refractory lining as a result of the cast refractory lining setting around the pegs. The pegs may be covered at least in part by a plastic tip or coating to provide a relative expansion capacity between the pegs and the refractory lining. The outer section is preferably formed from steel, may be any suitable shape and includes one or more apertures to form doorways, flues and access ports for accessory items such as char-grilles, lights, fire retardant systems and windows. The invention extends to an oven including a top section as disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for constructing a barbeque island includes providing a block module with a grouping of individual structural blocks, such as landscape retaining wall blocks, having a number of block configurations in a single package of blocks. A hardware module includes a grill insert, various counter tops, and other accessories. The blocks are assembled into a variety of unique and non-unique courses and the grill insert, which has an enclosed firebox and cooking surface is mounted upon the assembled courses of blocks.

Abstract: A method and system for constructing a barbeque island includes providing a block module with a grouping of individual structural blocks, such as landscape retaining wall blocks, having a number of block configurations in a single package of blocks. A hardware module includes a grill insert, various counter tops, and other accessories. The blocks are assembled into a variety of unique and non-unique courses and the grill insert, which has an enclosed firebox and cooking surface is mounted upon the assembled courses of blocks.

Abstract: A top section for an oven formed with an outer support shell, an intermediate insulating layer and an inner refractory lining wherein the three layers are connected by a plurality of spaced members. The spaced members are preferably formed as stainless steel pegs welded to an inner surface of the outer support shell extending across the intermediate insulating layer and fixed to the inner refractory lining as a result of the cast refractory lining setting around the pegs. The pegs may be covered at least in part by a plastic tip or coating to provide a relative expansion capacity between the pegs and the refractory lining. The outer section is preferably formed from steel, may be any suitable shape and includes one or more apertures to form doorways, flues and access ports for accessory items such as char-grilles, lights, fire retardant systems and windows. The invention extends to an oven including a top section as disclosed.

Abstract: Fixed outer barbecue modular structure for cooking food, comprising three modulus, a first base modulus which defines a lower larder modulus defined by a base panel, to which two side panels are assembled, a closing back plate and two manhole doors; a second modulus which defines cooking means comprising an inserted base over the former modulus to which two sides are assembled, a bottom plate, a closing rear plate, a barbecue plate and a metallic grate; and finally a third an last modulus comprising an inserted base over the former modulus, wherein a fumes hood and a cowl diffuser are assembled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a simple assembled slow baking oven device, comprising a net member with a predetermined area; a plurality of clay blocks being flatly disposed on the surface of its top layer in a radiant form; an opening being disposed at the center of the net member; and each clay block has a coupling section for embedding another clay block on its lateral sides, such that when the opening at the center of the net member is pulled upward, the surrounding clay blocks will rise accordingly, and the gravity of the blocks automatically make the blocks to couple with each other on the lateral sides, and thus quickly completes a clay housing assembly for its use as a slow baking oven.

Abstract: A lightweight prefabricated masonry/steel kiva-style fireplace. The firebox is cast in three or more modular sections. The entire inner combustion chamber is lined with split refractory firebrick and an outer shell is lightweight vermiculite concrete. The center firebox section has a semi-circular concave interior and the tubular steel and mesh exterior kiva fireplace stuccoed and plastered frame facade has a semi-circular convex exterior configuration with the appearance of a sculpted adobe fireplace. The firebox damper/anchor plate provides a transition from the masonry firebox to a double-walled chimney system. The firebox can be placed in a room comer or in a chase on a flat wall. It can also be installed over wood floors, in old or new construction.

Abstract: The Brown gas heating furnace made of mineral stone maintains a desired temperature with a small amount of fuel. The brown gas heating furnace includes a hollow base, having burner mounting holes formed in a top wall of the base, and a door mounted at a front side of the base. The burners are centrally mounted in the burner mounting holes of the base, with branch ducts connecting each of the burners to a Brown gas supply duct. A heating section consisting of firebricks stacked together in a staggered fashion on the top wall of the base encloses the burner mounting holes, with a furnace section seated on the base and having a combustion chamber surrounding the heating section. The furnace section also has venting holes adapted to vent the combustion chamber to the atmosphere. The furnace section may include stacked blocks made of mineral stone, biotite, germanium, or jade, or may use hollow mineral stones.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transportable, wood-fired oven, which can either be utilized alone or disposed upon, installed, attached or otherwise mated to a housing or framework, of a cart of curved or agonic or convex design, said design permitting greater cart maneuverability and greater work area, and which oven can then be transported to a location having pedestrian traffic, such as street vending sites, or special events, for on-site preparation of foods at those locations.

Abstract: A barbecue (10) comprising a number of components which can be readily assembled and disassembled without the need for fixing agents, including support structures (12, 14) comprising one or more structural components (22, 24, 26, 28) which can be fitted together by interengageable elements (30, 32), the structures (12, 14) supporting holding means (42) for holding a barbecue tray (16). The structural components (22, 24, 26, 28) are also suitable for the construction of walls and the like.

Abstract: A multi-functional barbecue grill arrangement which includes a charcoal support rack that enables the grilling arrangement to be used for searing, as well as a conventional barbecue cooking. A barrel-type grilling chamber is supported by a sturdy, A-shaped support frame. A layer of insulating, heat-resistant material, such as cement, lines the lowermost portion of the interior surface of the grilling chamber. Charcoal can be placed on the cement lining and/or on a charcoal support rack disposed above the cement lining, but below one or more food grills. The charcoal support rack, which has a length less than the food grill(s), is translatable on rails to enable the user to position ignited charcoal in close proximity to food on the grilling surface so that the food is seared from the rapid and intense application of heat.

Abstract: A grill (10) is provided having a combustion chamber (11) which includes a tub (13) and a hood (15) pivotally mounted to the tub. The tub has an metallic, exterior shell (26) and an interior insulative liner (27) made of cementitious material, such as calcium aluminate, mounted within the exterior shell. The exterior shell has a front wall (29), a back wall (30), two end walls (31) and a floor (32). The insulative liner (27) has a back panel (35) mounted adjacent tub back wall and two end panels (36) mounted adjacent to corresponding tub side walls. The insulative liner panels have a faux brick exterior surface (55) which provides an undulating heat reflecting surface.

Abstract: A fireplace for food cooking having a planar member adapted to receive coals dispersed thereon and having two sides extending perpendicular therefrom on opposite sides thereof and a back extending perpendicular therefrom and between the two sides. A fireplace hood is supported on the two sides and the back. The fireplace hood has a duct extending upwardly therefrom. The duct is adapted to allow smoke to discharge from the hood. A baffle plate wall has its ends affixed to the two sides and a back side spaced from the back so as to define a hollow space therewith. The baffle plate wall is positioned between the planar member and the fireplace hood so as to define a combustion chamber and a cooking chamber. The hollow space has an upper opening and a lower opening. The lower opening defining an access mouth adapted to draw the coals in the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A portable brick oven is made with a sealed brick lining for the back, opposing side and top walls with a door mounted in the front and bottom bricks defining the cooking chamber. The bottom bricks are not sealed and are aligned to define a flat baking surface and these bricks are located so that the edges of the baking surface are spaced from the back and opposing side walls and the individual bricks are not sealed so that the flame of the burner is capable of flowing between bricks. This arrangement provides, radiant, convective and conduction heating. The brick oven is modular constructed and fits into a chassis mounted on wheels. The door is uniquely hinged and clasped to allow for the ease of access into and out of the brick oven.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a modular fireplace having a first side wall, a second side wall, and a back wall that is contiguous with the first side wall and the second side wall and defines an interior open-faced firebox region having a substantially "U" shape in top plan view. The first side wall is constructed from a plurality of sequentially stacked modular first side blocks and the second side wall is formed from a plurality of sequentially stacked modular second side blocks. The back wall has a first modular corner block, a second modular corner block, and at least one substantially vertical spacer block that are joined so that the first corner block and the second corner block are contiguous with the spacer block. To aid in the efficient drafting of the fireplace, each of the spacer blocks may have a spacer block air chamber extending therein from an open upper end on the spacer block top end to a closed lower end proximate the spacer block bottom end.

Abstract: This invention relates to A contra-flow masonry heater comprising: a firebox having a front opening, an air intake communicating with a source of fresh air and an upper flue outlet; at least one vertical contra-flow heat exchange channel communicating between the flue outlet and an exhaust port, the firebox and channel having walls of refractory material for mass absorption of heat energy from a burning fuel and combustion gases contained therein and subsequent radiant release of heat energy to an adjacent space, a down draft hood communicating between the exhaust port and outside air, the down draft hood having a plenum communicating among an exhaust inlet, a chimney and a relief port, the relief port being located below the elevation of the exhaust inlet and communicating with the source of fresh air; and an air tight door secured to the front opening of the firebox.

Abstract: A multi-purpose fireplace for outdoor use having a firebox, a baking chamber and at least one grill above the baking chamber. The baking chamber is delimited by a metal wall with a door which is accessible from the outside of the fireplace. The baking chamber is fixed in an outer housing which receives the firebox. The baking chamber is preferably also delimited by a cylindrical metal barrel which is mounted with respect to the sidewalls such that an open flue conduit is formed between the metal barrel and the outer housing.

Abstract: A clay throat with a smooth inner surface is provided for a brick fireplace, and a template and process are described for cutting clay flue liners into selected portions for assembly and joining into the configuration of the clay fireplace throat at the site of the fireplace.

Abstract: The barbecue pit comprises a shell of masonry including a bottom wall, side walls, a back wall and a partial front wall. The shell further includes two inner wall sections which divide the space within the shell into identical first, second and third compartments extending front to back within the shell. The first compartment includes a cooking chamber having a plurality of horizontal grates removably supported therein and also includes a topless heat chamber having heat source means located beneath said cooking chamber for supplying heat and smoke to the cooking chamber. The second compartment includes a sauce applying chamber having a container of sauce therein and means for applying the sauce to cooked meat placed in the chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a masonry fireplace, particularly a baking oven, comprising: a furnace (4) in which the fuel is burnt and the bottom of which is formed by a baking grate (5), the furnace (4) being provided with an oven door (1) positioned in the front wall of the oven; an ash chest (7) positioned below the furnace (4) and provided with an ash door (2); a secondary fire chamber (10) positioned above the furnace (4) and into which a throat (9) leads from the back portion of the furnace (4); and substantially vertical cheek flues (15) extending downwards from the secondary fire chamber (10) on both sides of the oven door (1).

Abstract: The barbecue pit is a masonry structure including a chimney portion and a fire box portion laterally adjacent to and intercommunicating with the chimney portion. The fire box portion is topped by a hood frame which defines the length and width of an access opening into it. Refractory brick line side walls of the fire box portion and terminate to form an upper horizontal ledge upon which a removable metal drip trough structure is supported. The trough structure has a rectangular drip plate oriented to have a predetermined slope. A tail extension section of the drip plate projects well out of the fire box portion into the chimney portion, and separates part of the chimney space into an upper and lower space for dividing air currents into one current for supporting combustion and another for enhancing cooking flavors.

Abstract: An improved cooking oven having two flat surfaces covered by an enclosure. One of the flat surfaces serves as a base on which the enclosure rests and on which both fuel to be burned and food to be cooked are placed. The second of the flat surfaces, which is substantially parallel to and positioned above the flat surface that acts as the base, serves as a baffle to control the flow of combustion products from the burning fuel through the enclosure and as an additional cooking surface. Three openings in the wall of the enclosure are provided; two of which are used for passage of food and fuel therethrough. The third opening serves as a flue and provides a path through which combustion products from the burning fuel escape from the oven.

Abstract: An electric cooking unit, a gas-fired cooking unit, and a burner assembly usable with the gas-fired unit for rapidly grilling food in a controlled manner. The cooking unit includes side walls defining a heating enclosure, a plurality of food holding members supported by top surfaces of the side walls for positioning food within the heating enclosure, a coal grate assembly mounted within the heating enclosure for supporting a bed of refractory coals below the food holding members, and gas-fired or electric heating elements for heating the bed of refractory coals to incandescent temperatures. When the cooking unit is gas-fired, the unit incudes a plurality of individually controllable burner assemblies, each assembly having a flame guard assembly releasably mounted on a tubular member having a plurality of apertures for distributing a cooking gas within the heating enclosure.

Abstract: A barbecue oven for hickory smoking large quantities of meats with quality results; the oven including an oven component with chimney thereupon, the oven having automation controls and a large doorway, so that a truck loaded with meats on racks can be rolled directly into the oven.

Abstract: A cooking oven is made with a flat base of refractory material and a dome of refractory material forming an enclosure in which solid fuel is burned while resting directly on the base and food is also cooked directly on the base. An opening is provided in the dome wall through which fuel and food can be separately inserted within the oven. Only a relatively small part of the dome is removed to form the opening, which extends only part way up the full height of the dome. A flue is located just outside the opening so that combustion products from the fuel pass generally horizontally through the enclosed space and out the opening and up the flue. A closure is provided to shut the opening to limit the escape of heat. The dome is made by casting hemispherical sectors of refractory material and assembling the sectors into a dome on the base. The sectors are formed with interlocking edges to help hold them together and the entire dome can be enclosed within an insulated chamber..

Abstract: Bread oven for individual or home use. A fume vent is arranged in the roof of the oven at the opposite end from the source of heat so that the hot gases contact the roof to heat it. A by-pass passage is provided, which can be unblocked by one position of the ash pan to produce a counter-draft and thus slow down the rate of heat production. The ash pan can also be positioned so that the by-pass passage vents fumes from cinders or embers in it.

Abstract: A self extinguishing fire pit designed to fit flush with or extend above a level surface consisting of three basic parts including a wall, a rim which fits about the top of the wall, and a lid which is adapted to fit into the rim which serves to extinguish any flame or fire which has been kindled within the wall. Other attachments and/or modifications are also described.